A recent interview outlined the scale and composition of Russia’s exports to China, noting that shipments are highly vigorous. The discussion, conducted with a major national newspaper, centers on statements attributed to Anatoly Popov, who serves as the Chairman of the Board of Directors at Sberbank. According to Popov, hydrocarbons and their processing products account for just under three quarters of the bilateral trade volume, underscoring energy products as a dominant cornerstone of the relationship. Metals also rank among the top three exported categories, alongside foodstuffs and agricultural raw materials that consistently move across the border. The emphasis on energy, metals, and agricultural goods reflects longstanding sectoral strengths in the Russia-China exchange. (Source attribution: industry interviews and corporate disclosures)
In addition to exports, the discussion notes a strong uptick in imports from China into the Russian Federation. Popov highlighted that the top ten product categories in the import balance exceed 80 percent, with machinery and equipment, chemical products, and textiles forming the core of these purchases. This mirrors the broader pattern of reciprocal trade where Russia leverages Chinese manufacturing capabilities to balance its own export-driven demand. (Source attribution: trade balance analyses)
Popov pointed out that Sberbank assists Russian exporters in building connections with Chinese partners through online trade missions. He described these virtual missions as a practical bridge that helps entrepreneurs locate foreign counterparties in friendly markets, accelerating business development beyond traditional channels. (Source attribution: corporate communications)
From January to August 2023, Sber organized eight online business missions that engaged more than a thousand Russian entrepreneurs. The demand for export-focused missions to China among Sber’s clients was particularly strong, and Popov indicated plans to host similar events for producers of coal and confectionery products in the near future. This demonstrates the bank’s proactive stance in supporting a wider range of Russian sectors in expanding international trade. (Source attribution: internal event reports)
The bank also reported a substantial portfolio of upcoming projects in Russia with Chinese capital, totaling at least two trillion rubles. Popov stressed that Sber welcomes Chinese company participation in the Russian market, especially when it accompanies localization of business operations or production within Russia. Localization, in his view, offers Chinese firms a new strategic foothold in the local market and strengthens long-term engagement. (Source attribution: project portfolio disclosures)
On automotive industry collaboration, the chairman noted close cooperation between Sber and leading Russian and Chinese automakers. Sber presented a comprehensive toolkit for these partners, including working capital and project financing, receivables management tools, and the structuring of international payment routes. Financing of end customers is also part of the suite, illustrating a full-spectrum financial support system for cross-border automotive projects. (Source attribution: automotive sector partnerships)
Further value emerges from advanced analytics and digital platforms. Popov cited big data–driven analytics, a technology platform for car purchasing, telematics, and related solutions as meaningful contributors to the automotive ecosystem. He framed Sber Group as a strategic partner to the Russian automotive industry through these capabilities, underscoring the bank’s role beyond traditional banking services in shaping industry-wide digital transformation. (Source attribution: technology and strategy updates)